Antimicrobial compositions

ABSTRACT

What is described herein are antimicrobial compositions which are defined blends of a 1,2-diol and phenoxyethanol which show broad activity against bacteria, fungi and mold spores. This activity is potentiated by the addition thereto of small amounts of a co-biocide for which the blend acts as a delivery system for the otherwise water-insoluble co-biocide.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/820,349 filed Apr. 8, 2004, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to antimicrobial compositions, and, more particularly, to a defined blend of a 1,2-diol and phenoxyethanol, optionally with a co-biocide, which compositions show broad activity against bacteria, fungi and mold spores.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Personal care products come in many different forms. They include creams, lotions, pastes, liquids, aerosols, shampoos, gels, wipes, bars, sticks, powders and granules any or all of which are intended for topical application to the skin including the scalp and the mucosa including the lips.

The products are generally designed to have a substantial shelf life. The products need to be manufactured at one site, transported possibly over a considerable distance to a depot or other storage facility prior to further transport to a point of sale. The product may then spend considerable time on a retailer's shelf prior to purchase and further storage by the user whether for individual use or use in, for example, a hotel, workplace, institution or the like. All of such storage will take place under uncontrolled conditions including considerable variation in temperature.

In order to keep bacterial and fungal growth in such products at an acceptable level it is conventional practice for the products to contain a preservative. Many preservatives are available. The appropriate preservative has to be selected with regard to its efficacy and its acceptability to contact with human or animal skin. With regard to its acceptability there are in many countries laws and regulations governing the maximum permitted content of preservative in products intended for human use due to their possible toxic or otherwise harmful effect.

The need to control microbiological growth in personal care products is known to be particularly acute in water based products such as non-ionic oil-in-water emulsions and in pre-impregnated wipes such as baby wipes.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,607,738 described a preservative system of iodopropynyl butyl carbamate (IPBC) and phenoxyethanol (PE) in a weight ratio of 1:90 to 1:400 for use in personal care products.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,516,510 also disclosed deodorizing active ingredients to reduce the unpleasant odor caused by microorganisms which comprised a glycerin monoalkyl ether in combination with an astringent and/or a naturally occurring deodorant.

EP 1206933 described a preservative composition of caprylyl glycol (1,2-octanediol) and iodopropynyl butyl carbamate in a weight ratio of 0.1 to 500.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,733,362 was directed to a bacterial composition of 2-methyl-4,5-trimethylene-4-isothiazoline-3-on; 3-iodo-2-propynyl butyl carbamate and 2-phenoxyethanol.

EP 1238651 described that the activity of preservative mixtures of iodopropynyl butyl carbamate and phenoxyethanol, in a weight ratio of 1:90 to 1:200, preferably 1:100, can be potentiated by adding caprylyl glycol thereto, in a weight ratio of the latter to the mixture of 0.1 to 500, preferably 1:55. Thus the formulation of caprylyl glycol, iodopropynyl butyl carbamate and phenoxyethanol had weight ratios of each of 55:1:100 to 200:1:400, respectively. The personal care formulations contained 0.1-30% caprylyl glycol, preferably 0.5%; with 0.001-1% IPBC, preferably 0.001-0.01%; and with phenoxyethanol of 0.1-3%, preferably 0.5-1%.

JP Application No. 11045504 described an antiseptic microbicide and compositions thereof which contained a 1,2-alkane diol. These compositions effectively reduced the required dosage of conventional antiseptic microbicides such as paraben, benzoic acid and the like. The 1,2-alkane diol therein could be blended with a photosensitizer, benzoic acid or its salt, phenoxyethanol or 4-isopropyl-3-methylphenol. However, there was no disclosure of suitable blends of 1,2-alkane diol and phenoxyethanol at predetermined weight ratios and HLB values, which could deliver water insoluble biocides such as IPBC into aqueous personal care systems at a relatively high concentration of such biocides.

These and other prior art references in this field were concerned with the problem that many are antibacterials such as IPBC have limited aqueous solubility in personal care systems; particularly at the high concentrations necessary for effective antimicrobial activity. Thus, at very low concentrations they remain in solution but do not contribute as much activity as desired for these products.

Accordingly, it is desired to provide a blend of 1,2-diol and phenoxyethanol at a predetermined ratio and HLB value which can deliver water insoluble biocides into an aqueous personal care system at relatively high concentrations thereby providing more effective preservative activity in such systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

What is described herein is an antimicrobial composition which is active against bacteria, yeast and mold spores, consisting essentially of, by wt.

(a) 40-60% of a 1,2-diol selected from the group consisting of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol and 1,2-octanediol;

(b) 40-60% of phenoxyethanol; and

(c) 0-10% of a co-biocide selected from the group consisting of sorbic acid, benzoic acid, dibromodicyanobutane, iodopropynyl butyl carbamate and 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one.

A preferred antimicrobial composition of the invention includes (c) sorbic acid and/or 1% iodopropynyl butyl carbamate.

Most preferred antimicrobial compositions herein are those wherein (a) is about 44% and (b) is about 56%.

Also preferred are antimicrobial compositions wherein (c) is sorbic acid present in an amount of about 5-7% of the composition, or IPBC present in an amount of 1.25-1.50%.

Preferred antimicrobial compositions of the invention include those wherein (a) is 41-42%, (b) is 52-53%; and (c) is sorbic acid 5-7%; and (a) is 43.3; (b) is 55.3; and (c) is IPBC 1.4%.

The invention also encompasses personal care products which include the antimicrobial composition described above, preferably wherein the antibacterial composition is present in an amount of 0.1-2% by weight of the product, most preferably 0.5-1.5%.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention, there is provided herein an antimicrobial composition which is active against bacteria, yeast and mold spores, consisting essentially of, by wt.

(a) 40-60% of a 1,2-diol selected from the group consisting of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol and 1,2-octanediol;

(b) 40-60% of phenoxyethanol; and

(c) 0-10% of a co-biocide selected from the group consisting of sorbic acid, benzoic acid, dibromodicyanobutane, iodopropynyl butyl carbamate and 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one.

Preferably the antimicrobial composition includes (c) sorbic acid and/or 1% iodopropynyl butyl carbamate.

Most preferably, the antimicrobial composition includes (a) about 44% and (b) about 56%, and, optionally, (c) is sorbic acid, present in an amount of about 5-7% of the composition, or (c) is IPBC present in an amount of 1.25-1.50%.

Most preferably, it is an antimicrobial composition wherein (a) is 41-42%, (b) is 52-53%; and (c) is sorbic acid 5-7%; most preferably, wherein (a) is 43.3; (b) is 55.3; and (c) is IPBC 1.4%.

Personal care products particularly utilize the antimicrobial composition, preferably, wherein the antibacterial composition is present in an amount of 0.1-2% by weight of the product, most preferably, 0.5-1.5%.

The invention will now be described in more detail by the following challenge test examples on the invention formulations.

EXAMPLE 1

ANTIMICROBIAL: 1,2-Octanediol/Phenoxyethanol (40/60 wt. ratio) PRODUCT BASE: Screening emulsion (Standard Emulsion) TEST ORGANISMS INOCULUM (0 hours) REINOCULUM (21 days) Staph aureus 6538 1.9 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 1.2 × 10⁶ cfu/ml E. coli 8739 4.6 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 2.1 × 10⁶ cfu/ml P. aeruginosa 9027 1.7 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 2.1 × 10⁶ cfu/ml B. cepacia 25416 2.5 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 2.0 × 10⁶ cfu/ml C. albicans 10231 2.7 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 9.0 × 10⁵ cfu/ml A. niger 16404 3.0 × 10⁵ cfu/ml 1.0 × 10⁵ cfu/ml TEST ASSAY INTERVALS ORGANISMS 48 HRS 7 D 14 D 21 D 28 D USE LEVEL: 0.5% Staph. aureus 6538 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 E. coli 8739 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 P. aeruginosa 9027 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 B. cepacia 25416 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 C. albicans 10231 2.2E5 <10 <10 <10 <10 A. niger 16404 5.5E5 2E4 3.8E2 6E1 6.6E3 USE LEVEL: 1.0% Staph. aureus 6538 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 E. coli 8739 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 P. aeruginosa 9027 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 B. cepacia 25416 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 C. albicans 10231 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 A. niger 16404 1.4E5 <10 <10 <10 <10

EXAMPLE 2

ANTIMICROBIAL: 1,2-Octanediol/Phenoxyethanol (40/60) PRODUCT BASE: Nonionic emulsion TEST ORGANISMS INOCULUM (0 hours) REINOCULUM (21 days) Staph aureus 6538 1.3 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 8.0 × 10⁶ cfu/ml E. coli 8739 3.9 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 4.8 × 10⁶ cfu/ml P. aeruginosa 9027 2.5 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 4.7 × 10⁶ cfu/ml B. cepacia 25416 1.5 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 1.0 × 10⁶ cfu/ml C. albicans 10231 3.2 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 1.6 × 10⁶ cfu/ml A. niger 16404 4.0 × 10⁵ cfu/ml 2.6 × 10⁵ cfu/ml TEST ASSAY INTERVALS ORGANISMS 48 HRS 7 D 14 D 21 D 28 D USE LEVEL: 0.5% Staph. aureus 6538 1.4E5 <10 <10 <10 <10 E. coli 8739 6.6E3 <10 <10 <10 <10 P. aeruginosa 9027 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 B. cepacia 25416 4.0E4 <10 <10 <10 <10 C. albicans 10231  >1E6 8.1E5 5.2E4 <10 >1E4 A. niger 16404 5.9E5 1.9E5 3.5E4 1.2E4 6.9E5  USE LEVEL: 1.0% Staph. aureus 6538 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 E. coli 8739 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 P. aeruginosa 9027 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 B. cepacia 25416 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 C. albicans 10231 3.4E5 <10 <10 <10 <10 A. niger 16404 6.5E5 2.4E4 1.2E3   9E1 >1E4

EXAMPLE 3

ANTIMICROBIAL: 1,2-Octanediol/Phenoxyethanol (40/60)/1.5% BIT PRODUCT BASE: Screening Emulsion TEST ORGANISMS INOCULUM (0 hours) REINOCULUM (21 days) Staph aureus 6538 4.9 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 2.6 × 10⁶ cfu/ml E. coli 8739 5.6 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 4.3 × 10⁶ cfu/ml P. aeruginosa 9027 3.1 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 3.2 × 10⁶ cfu/ml B. cepacia 25416 2.7 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 1.8 × 10⁶ cfu/ml C. albicans 10231 4.2 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 1.7 × 10⁷ cfu/ml A. niger 16404 1.9 × 10⁵ cfu/ml 4.0 × 10⁵ cfu/ml TEST ASSAY INTERVALS ORGANISMS 48 HRS 7 D 14 D 21 D 28 D USE LEVEL: 0.67% (100 ppm BIT) Staph. aureus 6538 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 E. coli 8739 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 P. aeruginosa 9027 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 B. cepacia 25416 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 C. albicans 10231 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 A. niger 16404 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 USE LEVEL: 1.33% (200 ppm BIT) E. coli 8739 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 P. aeruginosa 9027 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 B. cepacia 25416 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 C. albicans 10231 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 A. niger 16404 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10

EXAMPLE 4

ANTIMICROBIAL: 1,2-Octanediol/Phenoxyethanol (40/60)/1.5% BIT PRODUCT BASE: Nonionic Emulsion TEST ORGANISMS INOCULUM (0 hours) REINOCULUM (21 days) Staph aureus 6538 1.2 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 3.7 × 10⁶ cfu/ml E. coli 8739 3.2 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 3.1 × 10⁶ cfu/ml P. aeruginosa 9027 3.0 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 4.6 × 10⁶ cfu/ml B. cepacia 25416 6.0 × 10⁵ cfu/ml 3.2 × 10⁶ cfu/ml C. albicans 10231 2.8 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 2.4 × 10⁶ cfu/mml A. niger 16404 7.0 × 10⁵ cfu/ml 4.0 × 10⁵ cfu/ml TEST ASSAY INTERVALS ORGANISMS 48 HRS 7 D 14 D 21 D 28 D USE LEVEL: 0.67% (100 ppm BIT) Staph. aureus 6538 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 E. coli 8739 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 P. aeruginosa 9027 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 B. cepacia 25416 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 C. albicans 10231 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 A. niger 16404 3E1 <10 <10 <10 <10 USE LEVEL: 1.33% (200 ppm BIT) Staph. aureus 6538 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 E. coli 8739 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 P. aeruginosa 9027 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 B. cepacia 25416 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 C. albicans 10231 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 A. niger 16404 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10

EXAMPLE 5

ANTIMICROBIAL: 1,2-Octanediol/Phenoxyethanol (40/60)/1.5% BIT PRODUCT BASE: Screening Emulsion TEST ORGANISMS INOCULUM (0 hours) REINOCULUM (21 days) Staph aureus 6538 3.7 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 2.9 × 10⁶ cfu/ml E. coli 8739 3.1 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 5.4 × 10⁶ cfu/ml P. aeruginosa 9027 4.6 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 3.8 × 10⁶ cfu/ml B. cepacia 25416 3.2 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 2.9 × 10⁶ cfu/ml C. albicans 10231 2.4 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 2.2 × 10⁶ cfu/ml A. niger 16404 4.0 × 10⁵ cfu/ml 2.9 × 10⁵ cfu/ml TEST ASSAY INTERVALS ORGANISMS 48 HRS 7 D 14 D 21 D 28 D USE LEVEL: 0.25% (37.5 ppm BIT) Staph. aureus 6538 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 E. coli 8739 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 P. aeruginosa 9027 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 B. cepacia 25416 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 C. albicans 10231 7.1E2 <10 <10 <10 <10 A. niger 16404 4.2E4 3.4E3 1.2E2 2E1 6.7E2 USE LEVEL: 0.5% (75 ppm BIT) Staph. aureus 6538 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 E. coli 8739 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 P. aeruginosa 9027 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 B. cepacia 25416 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 C. albicans 10231 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 A. niger 16404 <10 <10 <10 <10 2E1 (replate <10)

EXAMPLE 6

ANTIMICROBIAL: 1,2-Octanediol/Phenoxyethanol (40/60)/1.5% BIT PRODUCT BASE: Nonionic Emulsion TEST ORGANISMS INOCULUM (0 hours) REINOCULUM (21 days) Staph aureus 6538 4.9 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 4.8 × 10⁶ cfu/ml E. coli 8739 3.5 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 3.1 × 10⁶ cfu/ml P. aeruginosa 9027 4.0 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 3.0 × 10⁶ cfu/ml B. cepacia 25416 4.0 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 2.2 × 10⁶ cfu/ml C. albicans 10231 3.5 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 8.0 × 10⁵ cfu/ml A. niger 16404 2.7 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 1.8 × 10⁵ cfu/ml TEST ASSAY INTERVALS ORGANISMS 48 HRS 7 D 14 D 21 D 28 D USE LEVEL: 0.25% (37.5 ppm BIT) Staph. aureus 6538   2E1 <10 <10 <10 <10 E. coli 8739 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 P. aeruginosa 9027 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 B. cepacia 25416   2E1 <10 <10 <10 <10 C. albicans 10231  >1E6 7.2E2   1E2 <10  >1E4 A. niger 16404 3.9E5 2.4E5 1.9E5 1.6E5 2.5E5 USE LEVEL: 0.50% (75 ppm BIT) Staph. aureus 6538 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 E. coli 8739 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 P. aeruginosa 9027 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 B. cepacia 25416 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 C. albicans 10231 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 A. niger 16404 4.4E4   2E3 5E1 <10 3.5E3

EXAMPLE 7

ANTIMICROBIAL: 1,2-Octanediol/Phenoxyethanol (40/60)/1.5% BIT PRODUCT BASE: Screening Emulsion TEST ORGANISMS INOCULUM (0 hours) REINOCULUM (21 days) Staph aureus 6538 3.6 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 2.8 × 10⁶ cfu/ml E. coli 8739 5.8 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 3.5 × 10⁶ cfu/ml P. aeruginosa 9027 4.0 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 3.2 × 10⁶ cfu/ml B. cepacia 25416 3.0 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 1.8 × 10⁶ cfu/ml C. albicans 10231 2.7 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 1.7 × 10⁶ cfu/ml A. niger 16404 1.3 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 4.9 × 10⁵ cfu/ml TEST ASSAY INTERVALS ORGANISMS 48 HRS 7 D 14 D 21 D 28 D USE LEVEL: 0.50% (75 ppm BIT) Staph. aureus 6538 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 E. coli 8739 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 P. aeruginosa 9027 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 B. cepacia 25416 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 C. albicans 10231 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 A. niger 16404 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 USE LEVEL: 0.67% (100 ppm BIT) Staph. aureus 6538 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 E. coli 8739 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 P. aeruginosa 9027 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 B. cepacia 25416 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 C. albicans 10231 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 A. niger 16404 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10

EXAMPLE 8

ANTIMICROBIAL: 1,2-Octanediol/Phenoxyethanol (40/60)/2.5% BIT PRODUCT BASE: Screening Emulsion TEST ORGANISMS INOCULUM (0 hours) REINOCULUM (21 days) Staph aureus 6538 3.6 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 2.8 × 10⁶ cfu/ml E. coli 8739 5.8 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 3.5 × 10⁶ cfu/ml P. aeruginosa 9027 4.0 × 10⁶ cfu/mml 3.2 × 10⁶ cfu/ml B. cepacia 25416 3.0 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 1.8 × 10⁶ cfu/ml C. albicans 10231 2.7 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 1.7 × 10⁶ cfu/ml A. niger 16404 1.3 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 4.9 × 10⁵ cfu/ml TEST ASSAY INTERVALS ORGANISMS 48 HRS 7 D 14 D 21 D 28 D USE LEVEL: 0.3% (75 ppm BIT) Staph. aureus 6538 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 E. coli 8739 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 P. aeruginosa 9027 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 B. cepacia 25416 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 C. albicans 10231 5.8E3 2E1 <10 <10 <10 A. niger 16404 1.8E2 <10 <10 <10 <10 USE LEVEL: 0.4% (100 ppm BIT) Staph. aureus 6538 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 E. coli 8739 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 P. aeruginosa 9027 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 B. cepacia 25416 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 C. albicans 10231 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 A. niger 16404 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10

EXAMPLE 9

ANTIMICROBIAL: 1,2-Octanediol/Phenoxyethanol (40/60)/1.5% BIT PRODUCT BASE: Nonionic Emulsion TEST ORGANISMS INOCULUM (0 hours) REINOCULUM (21 days) Staph aureus 6538 3.0 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 2.8 × 10⁶ cfu/ml E. coli 8739 5.8 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 3.5 × 10⁶ cfu/ml P. aeruginosa 9027 4.0 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 3.2 × 10⁶ cfu/ml B. cepacia 25416 3.0 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 1.8 × 10⁶ cfu/ml C. albicans 10231 2.7 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 1.7 × 10⁶ cfu/ml A. niger 16404 1.3 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 4.9 × 10⁵ cfu/ml TEST ASSAY INTERVALS ORGANISMS 48 HRS 7 D 14 D 21 D 28 D USE LEVEL: 0.50% (75 ppm BIT) Staph. aureus 6538 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 E. coli 8739 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 P. aeruginosa 9027 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 B. cepacia 25416 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 C. albicans 10231 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 A. niger 16404 8E1 <10 <10 <10 <10 USE LEVEL: 0.67% (100 ppm BIT) Staph. aureus 6538 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 E. coli 8739 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 P. aeruginosa 9027 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 B. cepacia 25416 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 C. albicans 10231 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 A. niger 16404 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10

EXAMPLE 10

ANTIMICROBIAL: 1,2-Octanediol/Phenoxyethanol (40/60)/2.5% BIT PRODUCT BASE: Nonionic Emulsion TEST ORGANISMS INOCULUM (0 hours) REINOCULUM (21 days) Staph aureus 6538 3.0 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 2.8 × 10⁶ cfu/ml E. coli 8739 5.8 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 3.5 × 10⁶ cfu/ml P. aeruginosa 9027 4.0 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 3.2 × 10⁶ cfu/ml B. cepacia 25416 2.7 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 1.8 × 10⁶ cfu/ml C. albicans 10231 2.7 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 1.7 × 10⁶ cfu/ml A. niger 16404 1.3 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 4.9 × 10⁵ cfu/ml TEST ASSAY INTERVALS ORGANISMS 48 HRS 7 D 14 D 21 D 28 D USE LEVEL: 0.30% (75 ppm BIT) Staph. aureus 6538 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 E. coli 8739 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 P. aeruginosa 9027 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 B. cepacia 25416 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 C. albicans 10231 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 A. niger 16404 1E4 8.6E2 2.1E2 3E1 8.3E2 USE LEVEL: 0.40% (100 ppm BIT) Staph. aureus 6538 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 E. coli 8739 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 P. aeruginosa 9027 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 B. cepacia 25416 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 C. albicans 10231 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 A. niger 16404 1E1 <10 <10 <10 <10

EXAMPLE 11

ANTIMICROBIAL: 1,2-Octanediol/Phenoxyethanol (40/60), 6% sorbic acid PRODUCT BASE: Nonionic Emulsion TEST ORGANISMS INOCULUM (0 hours) REINOCULUM (21 days) Staph aureus 6538 1.3 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 8.0 × 10⁶ cfu/ml E. coli 8739 3.9 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 4.8 × 10⁶ cfu/ml P. aeruginosa 9027 2.5 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 4.7 × 10⁶ cfu/ml B. cepacia 25416 1.5 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 1.0 × 10⁶ cfu/ml C. albicans 10231 3.2 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 1.6 × 10⁶ cfu/ml A. niger 16404 4.0 × 10⁵ cfu/ml 2.6 × 10⁵ cfu/ml TEST ASSAY INTERVALS ORGANISMS 48 HRS 7 D 14 D 21 D 28 D USE LEVEL: 0.5% Staph. aureus 6538 1.1E2 <10 <10 <10 <10 E. coli 8739 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 P. aeruginosa 9027 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 B. cepacia 25416 <10 <10 8E3 7E4 1.1E5 C. albicans 10231  >1E6 3.1E4 <10 <10  >1E4 A. niger 16404 8.3E5   4E1 <10 <10   1E1 USE LEVEL: 1.0% Staph. aureus 6538 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 E. coli 8739 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 P. aeruginosa 9027 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 B. cepacia 25416 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 C. albicans 10231 1.2E4 <10 <10 <10 <10 A. niger 16404   3E5 <10 <10 <10 <10

EXAMPLE 12

ANTIMICROBIAL: 1,2-Octanediol/Phenoxyethanol (40/60), 6% sorbic acid PRODUCT BASE: Nonionic Emulsion TEST ORGANISMS INOCULUM (0 hours) REINOCULUM (21 days) Staph aureus 6538 6.9 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 1.8 × 10⁶ cfu/ml E. coli 8739 7.8 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 3.5 × 10⁶ cfu/ml P. aeruginosa 9027 5.1 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 1.3 × 10⁶ cfu/ml B. cepacia 25416 2.2 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 7.0 × 10⁶ cfu/ml C. albicans 10231 3.7 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 6.0 × 10⁷ cfu/ml A. niger 16404 1.8 × 10⁵ cfu/ml 8.0 × 10⁵ cfu/ml TEST ASSAY INTERVALS ORGANISMS 48 HRS 7 D 14 D 21 D 28 D USE LEVEL: 0.50% Staph. aureus 6538 1E1 <10 <10 <10 <10 E. coli 8739 6E1 <10 <10 <10 <10 P. aeruginosa 9027 1E2 <10 <10 <10 <10 B. cepacia 25416 5.8E4   <10 <10 <10 <10 C. albicans 10231 >1E6   1.7E5 2E1 <10  >1E4 A. niger 16404 1E5 5.8E4 3E4 6E3 3.9E5 USE LEVEL: 1.0% Staph. aureus 6538 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 E. coli 8739 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 P. aeruginosa 9027 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 B. cepacia 25416 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 C. albicans 10231 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 A. niger 16404 3E4 <10 <10 <10 <10

EXAMPLE 13

ANTIMICROBIAL: 1,2-Octanediol/Phenoxyethanol (40/60), 6% sorbic acid PRODUCT BASE: Nonionic Emulsion TEST ORGANISMS INOCULUM (0 hours) REINOCULUM (21 days) Staph aureus 6538 6.9 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 1.8 × 10⁶ cfu/ml E. coli 8739 7.8 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 3.5 × 10⁶ cfu/ml P. aeruginosa 9027 5.1 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 1.3 × 10⁶ cfu/ml B. cepacia 25416 2.2 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 7.0 × 10⁶ cfu/ml C. albicans 10231 3.7 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 6.0 × 10⁷ cfu/ml A. niger 16404 1.8 × 10⁵ cfu/ml 8.0 × 10⁵ cfu/ml TEST ASSAY INTERVALS ORGANISMS 48 HRS 7 D 14 D 21 D 28 D USE LEVEL: 0.5% Staph. aureus 6538 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 E. coli 8739 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 P. aeruginosa 9027 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 B. cepacia 25416 8E1 <10 <10 <10   2E1 C. albicans 10231 >1E6   1.4E4 <10 <10 <10 A. niger 16404 2.1E5   5.5E4 8E3 3E3 3.4E5 USE LEVEL: 1.0% Staph. aureus 6538 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 E. coli 8739 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 P. aeruginosa 9027 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 B. cepacia 25416 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 C. albicans 10231 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 A. niger 16404 8E3 <10 <10 <10 <10

EXAMPLE 14

ANTIMICROBIAL: 1,2-Octanediol/Phenoxyethanol (40/60), 6% sorbic acid PRODUCT BASE: Nonionic Emulsion TEST ORGANISMS INOCULUM (0 hours) REINOCULUM (21 days) Staph aureus 6538 6.9 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 1.8 × 10⁶ cfu/ml E. coli 8739 7.8 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 3.5 × 10⁶ cfu/ml P. aeruginosa 9027 5.1 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 1.3 × 10⁶ cfu/ml B. cepacia 25416 2.2 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 7.0 × 10⁶ cfu/ml C. albicans 10231 3.7 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 6.0 × 10⁷ cfu/ml A. niger 16404 1.8 × 10⁵ cfu/ml 8.0 × 10⁵ cfu/ml TEST ASSAY INTERVALS ORGANISMS 48 HRS 7 D 14 D 21 D 28 D USE LEVEL: 0.50% Staph. aureus 6538 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 E. coli 8739 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 P. aeruginosa 9027 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 B. cepacia 25416 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 C. albicans 10231  >1E6   2E4 <10 <10 >1E4 A. niger 16404 1.8E5 1.1E5 1.2E3 2E2 >1E4 USE LEVEL: 1.0% Staph. aureus 6538 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 E. coli 8739 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 P. aeruginosa 9027 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 B. cepacia 25416 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 C. albicans 10231 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 A. niger 16404   6E3 <10 <10 <10   7E1

EXAMPLE 15

ANTIMICROBIAL: 1,2-Octanediol/Phenoxyethanol (40/60) PRODUCT BASE: Screening Emulsion TEST ORGANISMS INOCULUM (0 hours) REINOCULUM (21 days) Staph aureus 6538 2.9 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 2.5 × 10⁵ cfu/ml E. coli 8739 4.7 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 3.4 × 10⁶ cfu/ml P. aeruginosa 9027 4.9 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 1.2 × 10⁶ cfu/ml B. cepacia 25416 5.3 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 1.1 × 10⁶ cfu/ml C. albicans 10231 1.0 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 1.1 × 10⁶ cfu/ml A. niger 16404 7.0 × 10⁵ cfu/ml 4.4 × 10⁵ cfu/ml TEST ASSAY INTERVALS ORGANISMS 48 HRS 7 D 14 D 21 D 28 D USE LEVEL: 0.5% Staph. aureus 6538 7E1 <10 <10 <10 <10 E. coli 8739 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 P. aeruginosa 9027 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 B. cepacia 25416 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 C. albicans 10231 4E4 <10 <10 <10   1E1 A. niger 16404 2.3E5   2.3E4 2.5E2 2E1 >1E4 USE LEVEL: 1.0% Staph. aureus 6538 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 E. coli 8739 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 P. aeruginosa 9027 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 B. cepacia 25416 <10 <10 <.10  <10 <10 C. albicans 10231 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 A. niger 16404 3E4 <10 <10 <10 <10

EXAMPLE 16

ANTIMICROBIAL: 20 Pentanediol/20 Hexanediol/ 20 Octanediol/40 Phenoxyethanol PRODUCT BASE: Screening Emulsion TEST ORGANISMS INOCULUM (0 hours) REINOCULUM (21 days) Staph aureus 6538 2.5 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 2.5 × 10⁶ cfu/ml E. coli 8739 6.0 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 2.9 × 10⁶ cfu/ml P. aeruginosa 9027 5.7 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 2.3 × 10⁶ cfu/ml B. cepacia 25416 3.4 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 1.5 × 10⁶ cfu/ml C. albicans 10231 2.9 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 1.1 × 10⁶ cfu/mkl A. niger 16404 5.1 × 10⁵ cfu/ml 2.8 × 10⁵ cfu/ml TEST ASSAY INTERVALS ORGANISMS 48 HRS 7 D 14 D 21 D 28 D USE LEVEL: 0.25% Staph. aureus 6538 1.1E6 1.6E3 <10 <10 >1E4 E. coli 8739   2E2 <10 <10 <10 <10 P. aeruginosa 9027   3E1   3E3   4E1   1E2 >1E4 B. cepacia 25416  >1E6  >1E6 4.3E5 1.8E5 >1E6 C. albicans 10231 7.9E5 1.2E5 4.1E2 2.2E2 >1E4 A. niger 16404 1.8E5 3.2E5 3.3E5 1.4E5 5.1E5  USE LEVEL: 0.50% Staph. aureus 6538 9.8E4 <10 <10 <10 <10 E. coli 8739 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 P. aeruginosa 9027 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 B. cepacia 25416 2.7E5 <10 <10 <10 <10 C. albicans 10231 3.8E5   2E2 <10 <10   8E1 A. niger 16404 2.6E5 3.3E5 1.7E3   8E2 >1E4

EXAMPLE 17

ANTIMICROBIAL: 20 Pentanediol/20 Hexanediol/ 20 Octanediol/40 Phenoxyethanol PRODUCT BASE: Nonionic Emulsion TEST ORGANISMS INOCULUM (0 hours) REINOCULUM (21 days) Staph aureus 6538 2.5 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 2.5 × 10⁶ cfu/ml E. coli 8739 6.0 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 2.9 × 10⁶ cfu/ml P. aeruginosa 9027 5.7 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 2.3 × 10⁶ cfu/ml B. cepacia 25416 3.4 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 1.5 × 10⁶ cfu/ml C. albicans 10231 2.9 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 1.1 × 10⁶ cfu/mkl A. niger 16404 5.1 × 10⁵ cfu/ml 2.8 × 10⁵ cfu/ml TEST ASSAY INTERVALS ORGANISMS 48 HRS 7 D 14 D 21 D 28 D USE LEVEL: 0.5% Staph. aureus 6538 2.6E5 <10 <10 <10 <10 E. coli 8739 2.2E4 <10 <10 <10 <10 P. aeruginosa 9027 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 B. cepacia 25416 2.6E5   6E3 <10 <10 2.9E3 C. albicans 10231  >1E6  >1E6 4.8E4 7.1E2 9.3E5 A. niger 16404 6.8E5 4.8E5 1.4E5  >1E4 6.2E5 USE LEVEL: 1.0% Staph. aureus 6538 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 E. coli 8739 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 P. aeruginosa 9027 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 B. cepacia 25416   1E2 <10 <10 <10 <10 C. albicans 10231  >1E6 2.8E4 <10 <10 <10 A. niger 16404 3.8E5 3.5E5 1.3E4 2.9E2 5.3E4

EXAMPLE 18

ANTIMICROBIAL: 20 Pentanediol/20 Hexanediol/ 20 Octanediol/40 Phenoxyethanol PRODUCT BASE: Screening Emulsion TEST ORGANISMS INOCULUM (0 hours) REINOCULUM (21 days) Staph aureus 6538 1.8 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 1.0 × 10⁶ cfu/ml E. coli 8739 3.5 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 3.6 × 10⁶ cfu/ml P. aeruginosa 9027 1.3 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 2.9 × 10⁶ cfu/ml B. cepacia 25416 7.0 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 3.0 × 10⁶ cfu/ml C. albicans 10231 6.0 × 10⁵ cfu/ml 2.1 × 10⁶ cfu/ml A. niger 16404 8.0 × 10⁵ cfu/ml 2.8 × 10⁵ cfu/ml TEST ASSAY INTERVALS ORGANISMS 48 HRS 7 D 14 D 21 D 28 D USE LEVEL: 0.5% Staph. aureus 6538 1.3E4 <10 <10 <10 <10 E. coli 8739 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 P. aeruginosa 9027 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 B. cepacia 25416 1.9E5 <10 <10 <10 <10 C. albicans 10231   3E5 3.3E3 <10 <10 9.7E2 A. niger 16404 6.8E5   6E4 3.3E4 1.1E4   6E4 USE LEVEL: 1.0% Staph. aureus 6538 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 E. coli 8739 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 P. aeruginosa 9027 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 B. cepacia 25416 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 C. albicans 10231 3.8E2 <10 <10 <10 <10 A. niger 16404 4.9E4 1.4E4 1.7E2 1.3E2 6.7E3

EXAMPLE 19

ANTIMICROBIAL: 1,2-Octanediol/Phenoxyethanol (40/60), 1.25% IPBC PRODUCT BASE: Screening Emulsion TEST ORGANISMS INOCULUM (0 hours) REINOCULUM (21 days) Staph aureus 6538 3.6 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 1.6 × 10⁶ cfu/ml E. coli 8739 4.0 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 2.2 × 10⁶ cfu/ml P. aeruginosa 9027 4.4 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 1.7 × 10⁶ cfu/ml B. cepacia 25416 3.0 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 1.7 × 10⁶ cfu/ml C. albicans 10231 4.2 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 9.3 × 10⁵ cfu/ml A. niger 16404 9.0 × 10⁵ cfu/ml 2.6 × 10⁵ cfu/ml TEST ASSAY INTERVALS ORGANISMS 48 HRS 7 D 14 D 21 D 28 D USE LEVEL: 1.0% Staph. aureus 6538 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 E. coli 8739 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 P. aeruginosa 9027 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 B. cepacia 25416 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 C. albicans 10231 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 A. niger 16404 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 USE LEVEL: 1.8% Staph. aureus 6538 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 E. coli 8739 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 P. aeruginosa 9027 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 B. cepacia 25416 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 C. albicans 10231 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 A. niger 16404 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 

1. An antimicrobial composition which is active against gram-negative bacteria selected from the group consisting of E. coli and P. aeruginosa, gram-positive Staph aureus bacteria, C. albicans, yeast, B. cepacia and A. niger mold spores, said antimicrobial composition consisting essentially of, by wt.: (a) 40-60% of a 1,2-diol selected from the group consisting of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-octanediol and mixtures thereof, (b) 40-60% phenoxyethanol; and (c) 0-10% of a co-biocide selected from the group consisting of sorbic acid, benzoic acid, dibromodicyanobutane, and 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one.
 2. An antimicrobial composition according to claim 1 in which (c) is sorbic acid.
 3. An antimicrobial composition according to claim 1 wherein (a) is about 44% and (b) is about 56%.
 4. An antimicrobial composition according to claim 2 wherein the sorbic acid is present in an amount of about 5-7% of the composition.
 5. An antimicrobial composition of claim 1 wherein (a) is 41-42%, (b) is 52-53%; and (c) is sorbic acid of 5-7%.
 6. An antimicrobial composition of claim 1 wherein (a) is present in an amount of 43.3%; (b) is present in an amount of 55.3%; and (c) is present in an amount of 1.4%
 7. An antimicrobial composition consisting essentially of, by weight, based on the total weight of (a) and (b): (a) 40-60% of a 1,2-diol selected from the group consisting of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-octanediol and mixtures thereof; (b) 40-60% phenoxyethanol; and (c) 0-10% of a co-biocide selected from the group consisting of sorbic acid, benzoic acid, dibromodicyano-butane, 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, and mixtures thereof, wherein said antimicrobial composition is active against at least one of E. coli, Staph aureus, P. aeruginosa, B. cepacia, C. albicans, and A. niger.
 8. An antimicrobial composition according to claim 7 in which (c) is sorbic acid.
 9. An antimicrobial composition according to claim 8 wherein the sorbic acid is present in an amount of about 5-7% of the composition.
 10. An antimicrobial composition according to claim 7 wherein (a) is about 40% and (b) is about 60%.
 11. An antimicrobial composition according to claim 10 wherein (a) comprises 1,2-octanediol.
 12. An antimicrobial composition according to claim 10 wherein a co-biocide is present.
 13. An antimicrobial composition according to claim 12 wherein the co-biocide is sorbic acid.
 14. An antimicrobial composition according to claim 13 wherein the sorbic acid is present in an amount of about 5-7%. 